If you would like a braai and if there are a couple of people who are willing to come a little earlier to help get thing started, (I am useless at braaing) I could get everything going. I that way we won't have to wait too long to eat, for those who might not have a lots of time.

It would also mean the DB can start talking the minute she arrives and not have to worry about the "domestic" stuff.

We have the most stunning butchery down the road that sells some of the best boerrie that I have ever tasted in my life. He also has certain specialitities. One of my favourites is "scotch fillet". It's a cheaper cut of meat, sirlion, I think, marinaded in his special marinade with herbs and then wrapped in bacon. He also has the normal steaks, chops and.. and... and..

I would be happy to take in your preferances and work out a budget.

Then the other question would be, do you want braaied onions and potatoes or pap and MM's wicked tomato and onion/chakalaka sauce.

I also live quite close to Fournos bakery that sells some of the most wonderful German rolls.

For the vegematerians there is woolies round the corner where I can get some bread and butter.

I could also make a couple of salads and maybe we could have something simple like icecream cones for dessert. (Ice cream cones don't need plates to wash).

Everyone could bring their own drinks.

The bird doesn't sing because it has answers, it sings because it has a song.

Now that was a lovely meet! My first time, but what a lovely bunch of people! And to put the aliases to the actual people is always wonderful. Of course, most images that our brains conjure of a person based only on written text is bound to be incorrect, but that is most of the fun.

Thank you to all who organised it - especially Batmad and Meandering Mouse - it was indeed worthwhile. Maybe one day we will have a similar meet overseas - who knows?

What a lovely day but without the goodwill of everyone and the help of some very able and special people, it would not have gone off as well as it did.

My first thank you is to some one who was not even there.Muhammed donated a very generous collection of gifts for a lucky draw. He did suggest that Batmad be given something, as he has been such asset to the forum. It was decided between a group of busy little that Batmad should receive a quality Leatherman. Enjoy it, Batmad, you deserve it.It was also decided that the lovely pair of binoculars be donated to the rangers, as they had sent out an SOS about their critical shortage.That left a lovely tool set, one even MM would have for and 2 quality camping mugs for our draw on the day.DB and Zaks did explain the sitation about the binos and everyone seemed very happy with the idea.

A beeeg thank you to Sharifa and SO another Muhommed. I would never have managed without you. Not only that, you went way beyond the requirements asked.Your Briyani was to die for, the chocolate pudding goes beyond words. Most of all though, you both just ably and willingly set about making this a success.You might not have noticed, but at some point, my son appeared like a shadow, took one look at the pudding, dived in and disappeared like a shadow.He was still sitting with a big smile his face hours later.

Cherriesyou came in and transformed the place from an empty room to a happy setting. You also brought such a cheerful attitude, that the room just lit up.

Ndlotifor your prearranging of furniture and helping with the braai. I certainly know that had you not been there, I would have been eating some very spicy cinders.

Zaks, DB and Hawk it was very special to have you around bringing your unique brand of hospitality. Zaks, now you have really entered the heart of the Gauties home.

To the Ratpack for their life and enthusiasm. Great to see you guys there. Now I am really looking forward to the forumdales

To everyone for their goodwill and friendliness. The oldies took in the newbies and by hometime, it was smiles all around.

Lets give ourselves a round of applause.

The bird doesn't sing because it has answers, it sings because it has a song.

From me, a huge thank you to everyone - those who helped arrange everything, who helped set up, helped braai, brought eats, the amazing Rat Packers (I hate making lists in case I leave someone out ) and Zax for her wonderful support and Muhammad, always so thoughtful and generous - everyone added something very special to this meet. Thank you!

I left the meet with a wonderful warm feeling in my heart ... our forum is made up of the most special members!

I do hope all those who indicated they'd like to be at the Cricket in March, can get there - it would be great to spend more time with you all!(there is now a fair amount of accom available - or book a camp site and join in the big lager we are planning on forming!)

Those who could not make it - I know you all had very valid reasons, and there will be a next time. We missed you!

One of the secret guests was going to be Reynold, the new GM for PR, Media and Events, who really tried hard to make the meet but had a family emergency he had to rush off to. But Reynold will be at the Cricket